What is Semaglutide used for?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood glucose (sugar).

The injectable Semaglutide, initially only used as diabetes medication, is the first drug since Saxenda (2014) approved to treat chronic weight management in the 70% of American adults who are obese or overweight. Research continues to show the effectiveness of semaglutide injections for weight loss. It also highlights the value of treating obesity as a chronic metabolic disease instead of expecting people to rely solely on willpower and lifestyle changes to manage their condition.

What does Semaglutide do to your body?

Semaglutide injection is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy.

Is semaglutide worth it for weight loss?

In these 68-week trials, semaglutide 2.4 mg was associated with significantly greater weight loss compared to placebo. Semaglutide differs from other GLP-1 receptor agonists by having a longer half-life and producing greater weight loss.

How much weight can you lose in a week with semaglutide?

Clinical trials have shown that study participants taking a weekly dose of semaglutide had an average reduction in body weight of 5-10 percent.

BENEFITS OF GLP-1 AGONISTS

Helps slow food leaving your stomachHelps prevent your liver from making too much sugarHelps the pancreas produce more insul when your blood sugar levels are highCan help control blood glucoseCan reduce hyperglycemia, especially after mealsCan reduce fasting insul and fasting glucoseCan reduce hemoglobin A1cCan decrease appetite and caloric intake, while inhibiting weight gainHas been shown to lower triglyceride levels and oxidative stress from high LDLHas been shown to help induce weight loss in obese patients with higher dosingHelps decrease leptin and increase leptin sensitivityCan increase the conversion of white fat to brown fat